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The Book of Hallowe'en (Annotated): The Original 1919 Study of Halloween with Historical Context and Insights into Halloween Symbols
Why do millions of people worldwide carve pumpkins, dress in costumes, and celebrate the mysterious night of October 31st?
In 1919, Ruth Edna Kelley, a young Radcliffe scholar, became the first person to seriously investigate Halloween history and traditions, creating a definitive account that remains unmatched over a century later. Her groundbreaking research revealed how ancient Celtic Samhain folklore transformed into America’s most beloved holiday, uncovering connections between folklore, spirituality, and seasonal celebration that most people never realize exist.
In this expanded edition, you will
How ancient Celtic Samhain festivals honoring the dead evolved into modern Halloween celebrations across cultures and centuries.
Secret meanings hidden in everyday Halloween symbols and their links to ancient wisdom traditions.
Historical Halloween games and activities used for matchmaking, fortune-telling, and spiritual guidance.
Enchanting tales such as Guleesh (Celtic folklore), Jorinda and Jorindel (Brothers Grimm), and magical stories like The Elfin Knight and Twinklin Feet.
Rare stories connecting Halloween themes to nature spirits, including Pomona, The Courteous Prince, and Jack o’ Lantern and the Glow Worm.
How Halloween evolved from feared supernatural encounters to family-friendly celebrations over centuries.
This isn’t just another Halloween book filled with modern party ideas. This is the original scholarly investigation that established Halloween studies as a legitimate field—enhanced with rare historical games, authentic folk tales, and contemporary analysis bridging Kelley’s 1919 insights with today’s global Halloween phenomenon.
Whether you’re a folklore enthusiast, history lover, or Halloween fan, this comprehensive collection offers insights available nowhere else.
Discover the hidden history behind your favorite holiday—order your copy today.
In 1919, Ruth Edna Kelley, a young Radcliffe scholar, became the first person to seriously investigate Halloween history and traditions, creating a definitive account that remains unmatched over a century later. Her groundbreaking research revealed how ancient Celtic Samhain folklore transformed into America’s most beloved holiday, uncovering connections between folklore, spirituality, and seasonal celebration that most people never realize exist.
In this expanded edition, you will
How ancient Celtic Samhain festivals honoring the dead evolved into modern Halloween celebrations across cultures and centuries.
Secret meanings hidden in everyday Halloween symbols and their links to ancient wisdom traditions.
Historical Halloween games and activities used for matchmaking, fortune-telling, and spiritual guidance.
Enchanting tales such as Guleesh (Celtic folklore), Jorinda and Jorindel (Brothers Grimm), and magical stories like The Elfin Knight and Twinklin Feet.
Rare stories connecting Halloween themes to nature spirits, including Pomona, The Courteous Prince, and Jack o’ Lantern and the Glow Worm.
How Halloween evolved from feared supernatural encounters to family-friendly celebrations over centuries.
This isn’t just another Halloween book filled with modern party ideas. This is the original scholarly investigation that established Halloween studies as a legitimate field—enhanced with rare historical games, authentic folk tales, and contemporary analysis bridging Kelley’s 1919 insights with today’s global Halloween phenomenon.
Whether you’re a folklore enthusiast, history lover, or Halloween fan, this comprehensive collection offers insights available nowhere else.
Discover the hidden history behind your favorite holiday—order your copy today.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2025
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